Information for the Aged Care Sector Issue 2020/19

Published 8th September 2020

New Aged Care Workforce Industry Council website

The new Aged Care Workforce Industry Council website provides a platform to learn more about the Council, its goals and its members.

The website includes:

• pages dedicated to the industry and its workforce
• the Council’s five programs of work
• a sign-up mechanism for employees and organisations wanting to commit to the Voluntary Industry Code of Practice
• the Council’s latest media, including Board communiques
• access to subscribe to receive update alerts.

This website showcases the work Industry, Government and the Council are doing to build a better, more sustainable aged care system across Australia, with a clear focus on the consumer.

My Dementia Companion pilot program

My Dementia Companion is one of four winning technology ideas from Dementia Australia’s Decoding Dementia 2019 Innovation Program. It is now ready to pilot.

The innovative web tool, My Dementia Companion, guides family, friends and carers through one of life's most challenging and confusing journeys. The web tool offers personalised and practical support for a person’s dementia journey. It is easy to use and accessible at any time on a phone or computer. The free, 6-8 week pilot will enable users to explore the app and provide feedback. It will enable people to:

• find government services
• access local support and services
• better understand dementia and how to develop care and coping strategies at home.

For more information, or for any families wishing to participate in the pilot, visit the My Dementia Companion website.

New nationwide network of Carer Gateway service providers now operating

Carer Gateway service providers are now delivering a range of support services to Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers.

The Australia-wide network of Carer Gateway service providers are providing carers with access to:

• in-person and phone-based counselling
• in-person and online peer support
• targeted, financial support packages with a focus on employment, emergency and planned respite
• online coaching, information and advice
• practical educational resources to improve carer wellbeing, skills and knowledge.

Carer Gateway service providers can also help with navigating local services available to carers through government and non-government providers, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme, My Aged Care and palliative care.

These services are free for anyone looking after a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, a mental health condition or who is frail due to age.

Carers can access services, including in-person services, by calling Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visiting the Carer Gateway website.

The Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program delivered through the Department of Social Services.

Survey on food and nutrition – last chance for aged care homes

You have until 11 September to complete the Survey of Food, Nutrition and the Dining Experience in Australian Aged Care Homes. Please let the person in your organisation who is most responsible for food, hydration and nutrition know about this survey now.

Improving food and the social elements of eating can reduce people’s needs for other aged care services. In its interim report, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified food as a major quality and safety issue.

The survey is being conducted in preparation for the National Congress on food, nutrition and the dining experience in aged care. The aim is to find innovative options for improving food and the food experience in aged care services.

Source:
Unknown Author, 2020, Department of Health